UN 1845: Export Rules for Cargo Containing Dry Ice (IATA & ADR)

In air freight dry ice is handled as a Class 9 dangerous good under the name UN 1845 — Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice). Do not think of it as "just something cold": subliming CO₂ can build pressure and displace oxygen inside a closed aircraft compartment. That is why IATA DGR Packing Instruction PI 954 sets clear rules — and why a terminal officer will turn the package away over a single missing mark.

What must appear on the package

1. 1UN 1845 + proper shipping nameThe number "UN 1845" together with "Carbon dioxide, solid" or "Dry ice" must be legible on the package.
2. 2Class 9 pictogramThe miscellaneous dangerous goods label (the diamond with seven vertical stripes) must be printed with enough contrast against the background.
3. 3Net dry ice weightThe net weight of ice per package, in kilograms. This figure is what the airline checks against its per-package limit.
4. 4Venting statementThe packaging must be stated as able to vent CO₂ gas; gas-tight packaging is never accepted.
5. 5Shipper & consignee detailsFull names and addresses, together with the Shipper's Declaration (DGD) where one is required.

The HMA packing protocol

We do not treat the marking as a pre-printed sticker but as a document calculated for each shipment: the ice load is printed from the figure the simulation produced, the datalogger start record is attached to the package, and acceptance is evidenced with a terminal photograph. We run the acceptance process for our packages ourselves at air cargo terminals, including Emirates SkyCargo.

On the road: ADR

• When dry ice is used purely as a refrigerant, ADR relaxes the labelling requirement for most shipments — but vehicle ventilation and driver instructions are still mandatory.
• At border crossings, a package marked as UN 1845 speeds up customs inspection.
• The same marking logic applies to sea freight (IMDG); confirm any additional rules with the port operator.